Have Your Say: Muskoka Lakes Economic Development (Business) This survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Question Title * 1. How confident are you in Muskoka Lakes as a place to operate and grow your business over the next 2–3 years? Not at all Confident Slightly Confident Moderately Confident Very Confident Extremely Confident Not at all Confident Slightly Confident Moderately Confident Very Confident Extremely Confident Question Title * 2. For your business, which areas should be the top priorities for the Township and partners over the next year? (Select up to 3) Workforce & Training Downtown Activation Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Tourism & Culture Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Infrastructure & Services (e.g., internet, roads, servicing) Other (please specify) Question Title * 3. For each area below, how important is it to make progress in the next 12 months for your business? Not at all important Slightly Important Moderately Important Very Important Extremely Important Workforce & Training Workforce & Training Not at all important Workforce & Training Slightly Important Workforce & Training Moderately Important Workforce & Training Very Important Workforce & Training Extremely Important Downtown Activation Downtown Activation Not at all important Downtown Activation Slightly Important Downtown Activation Moderately Important Downtown Activation Very Important Downtown Activation Extremely Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Not at all important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Slightly Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Moderately Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Very Important Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support Extremely Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Not at all important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Slightly Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Moderately Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Very Important Emerging Opportunities & Remote Work Extremely Important Tourism & Culture Tourism & Culture Not at all important Tourism & Culture Slightly Important Tourism & Culture Moderately Important Tourism & Culture Very Important Tourism & Culture Extremely Important Infrastructure & Services Infrastructure & Services Not at all important Infrastructure & Services Slightly Important Infrastructure & Services Moderately Important Infrastructure & Services Very Important Infrastructure & Services Extremely Important Question Title * 4. What is the biggest barrier to operating or growing your business in Muskoka Lakes? Finding staff Cost of space (rent or purchase) Permits / municipal processes Access to financing Technology / digital tools Transportation / access; Housing for workers Seasonality of demand Not sure Other (please specify) Question Title * 5. Please tell us a bit more about how this barrier shows up for your business. Question Title * 6. Which local assets are most important to your business today? (Select up to 3) People and skills Lakes, trails, and natural areas Downtown / main streets Existing industries and business networks Arts, culture, and events; Community groups and volunteers Highway / regional location; Seasonal residents and cottagers Other (please specify) Question Title * 7. “Our nearest downtown/main street supports our business (through foot traffic, services, and sense of place).” Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Question Title * 8. What workforce or training support would help your business most? Short courses or micro-credentials for staff Paid placements or apprenticeships Help finding and recruiting staff Childcare or transportation supports for workers Online or hybrid training options Help navigating training and funding programs Other (please specify) Question Title * 9. What types of new or expanding economic activities would most support your business (as customers, partners, or suppliers)? (Select up to 2) Construction, trades, and marine/boating services Year-round tourism and experiences Health and care services Local food, markets, and makers Digital / remote work hubs and professional services Events and festivals Not sure Other (please specify) Question Title * 10. From a business perspective, tourism in Muskoka Lakes should focus most on: (Select up to 2) Trails and outdoor recreation Arts, culture, and events Lakefront and waterfront access Winter and shoulder-season activities Food, markets, and local makers Higher-spending visitors Other (please specify) Question Title * 11. In the next 12 months, which type of business support would be most valuable to you? One-window navigation for permits and programs Small grants or loans Mentorship / business coaching E-commerce and digital marketing support Buy-local or local procurement opportunities Shared space or shared equipment Networking with other businesses Not applicable Question Title * 12. When the Township chooses economic development projects, which outcomes matter most to your business? (rank your top 3) Question Title * 13. What is the biggest risk to your business over the next 1–3 years? Cost of living and doing business Lack of housing for owners or staff Difficulty finding or keeping staff Business closures / reduced demand Climate or wildfire risks People leaving the community (out-migration) Infrastructure gaps (e.g., internet, roads, servicing) Policy or regulatory changes Other (please specify) Question Title * 14. How can the Township’s economic development work better to support reconciliation and cultural safety in ways that matter for businesses? (e.g., partnerships with Indigenous businesses, procurement, Indigenous-led tourism, youth pathways, shared cultural protocols, etc.) Question Title * 15. Is there anything else we should know about your business experience or needs in Muskoka Lakes? Question Title * 16. I am responding as a… (Optional) Business owner Senior manager Staff with responsibility for operations Board member Other (please specify) Question Title * 17. What is your business’s primary sector? (Optional) Retail Food and beverage Accommodation Tourism / recreation Construction and trades Marine / boating services Professional services Arts and culture Non-profit / community organisation Other (please specify) Question Title * 18. How many people does your business employ, including owners? (Optional) No employees (self-employed) 1–4 5–9 10-19 20 or more Seasonal only (varies widely) Question Title * 19. Which best describes your business pattern? (Optional) Year-round Seasonal (primarily summer) Seasonal (other pattern) Year-round with strong seasonal peak Start-up / planning stage Question Title * 20. How many years has your business operated in Muskoka Lakes? (Optional) Less than 1 year 1–4 years 5–9 years 10–19 years 20+ years Done
